Vehicle computer system with transparent display

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a vehicle computer system. The vehicle computer system gathers data from a safety sensor to determine whether the proper safety conditions are present for the vehicle operator to interact with the vehicle computer system. A safety controller receives safety condition data gathered from the safety sensor and instructs the display manager to disable the display of information to the vehicle operator during unsafe operating conditions. The vehicle computer system advantageously employs a transparent display screen to provide greater field of vision of the vehicle operator than could be provided by a traditional display screen.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO PRIORITY APPLICATION

This application hereby claims the benefit of pending U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 61/715,990 for a “Vehicle Computer System withTransparent Display” (filed Oct. 19, 2012 at the United States Patentand Trademark Office), which is hereby incorporated by reference in itsentirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The disclosure relates generally to computer systems, and, morespecifically, to a vehicle computer system having a transparent display.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Computer devices have contributed greatly to creating workplaceefficiency across all industries. The relatively recent surge inadvancements in mobile computing technology have proven especiallyuseful to businesses, particularly those having a mobile workforce.While mobile computing devices do have distinct advantages, they alsopresent unique safety challenges not present in a traditional desktopcomputing environment. For instance, the near-universal use of mobilecomputing devices like smartphones has resulted in an increased numberof automobile accidents caused by drivers distracted by the use of suchdevices. Other types of computer devices used in a mobile setting canpresent similar safety hazards. For instance, computer navigationsystems in automobiles may distract a driver from attending to the road.In the industrial setting, heavy equipment and industrial vehicleoperators may become distracted by display readouts from computerdevices located in the vehicle that are intended to assist the worker inhis or her task. For example, a forklift may be equipped with a computerdevice that assists in the dispatching of the forklift to the properpickup location within a warehouse. An unsafe operating condition may becreated, however, if the forklift operator is distracted by this displayof information while attempting to operate the forklift. Additionally,the computer equipment itself tends to inhibit a vehicle operator'sfield of vision, thereby increasing the likelihood of collisions withobjects that are obstructed from view.

Screen blanking technology has previously been implemented to amelioratethe risks associated with the display of information on computer deviceswithin a vehicle. This technology generally disables the display ofinformation on these devices when it is unsafe for the operator of thevehicle to view the information, such as when the vehicle is in motion.While this technology is generally effective at preventing the displayof distracting information during specified periods, it does not addressthe problem of the computer display screen's obstruction of theoperator's field of vision even when not displaying information.

What is needed is a computer system suitable for use in a vehicle thatprovides less obstruction to the vehicle operator's field of vision. Inparticular, a computer system is needed that has a display screen largeenough to display information in an easy-to-read fashion, therebyavoiding undue visual strain on the vehicle operator, while notobstructing the view of the vehicle operator in a manner that wouldcreate an unsafe operating environment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the present invention embraces a vehicle computer systemwith a transparent display.

In another aspect, the present invention embraces a vehicle computersystem with a transparent display that provides greater operatorvisibility than a traditional LCD display screen.

In another aspect, the present invention embraces a vehicle computersystem with a transparent display that automatically disables thedisplay screen when it is not safe to display information to theoperator.

In another aspect, the present invention embraces a vehicle computersystem with a transparent display screen that also serves as a vehiclewindow.

In another aspect, the present invention embraces a vehicle computersystem with a transparent display screen that is larger and easier toread than a traditional LCD display screen.

In another aspect, the present invention embraces a vehicle having avehicle computer system with a transparent display mounted thereto thatprovides for greater operator visibility than a traditional LCD screen.

In another aspect, the present invention embraces a vehicle computersystem having a transparent display screen that can implement augmentedreality technology.

The foregoing, as well as other objectives and advantages of theinvention, and the manner in which the same are accomplished, arefurther specified within the following detailed description and itsaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the components of anexemplary vehicle computer system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary computer-equipped vehicleaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an exemplary computer-equipped vehicleaccording to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The disclosure relates to a vehicle computer system. In one aspect, theinvention embraces a vehicle computer system having a transparentdisplay.

In an exemplary embodiment, the vehicle computer system according to thepresent invention has associated with it a central processing unit, amass storage device, an operating system stored on the mass storagedevice and executed by the central processing unit, a system memory, aninput apparatus for receiving input from user (i.e., an operator orvehicle operator), a transparent display device, a safety sensor, adisplay manager adapted to control the display of information on thetransparent display device, a safety controller adapted to instruct thedisplay manager to modify the display of information on the transparentdisplay device based on safety condition data received from a safetysensor, and a network interface. Typically, the components of thevehicle computer system are operably connected by a system bus.

Typical vehicles employing the vehicle computer system will beindustrial vehicles (e.g., forklifts, cargo cranes), but the disclosureequally embraces non-industrial vehicles (e.g., automobiles,mass-transit vehicles (e.g., buses, trains)). References in thedisclosure and in the drawings to particular types of vehicles are notintended to limit the disclosure in any way to particular vehicles.Rather, the term vehicle is used in its broadest meaning.

Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagramillustrating the components of an exemplary embodiment of a vehiclecomputer system 10. A computer 20 includes a mass storage device 40 forstoring an operating system 45 and application programs 55. The massstorage device 40 may store other types of information. The operatingsystem 45 is software that controls the overall operation of the vehiclecomputer system 10, including process scheduling and management, processprotection, and memory management. Examples of a suitable operatingsystem include, without limitation, WINDOWS® 7 and WINDOWS® EMBEDDEDCOMPACT (i.e., WINDOWS® CE) from MICROSOFT® CORPORATION of Redmond,Wash., and the LINUX® open source operating system. Typically, theoperating system 45 is loaded by booting the computer 20 and is executeddirectly by the central processing unit 25. An application program 55 isan executable software program designed to help the vehicle operatorperform specific tasks. The application programs 55 may loadautomatically upon execution of the operating system 45 or in responseto a command input from the vehicle operator. A main memory 30 providesfor storage of instructions and data directly accessible by the centralprocessing unit 25. Main memory 30 may include random-access memory 32(RAM) and read-only memory 34 (ROM). The ROM 34 may permanently storefirmware or a basic input/output system (BIOS), which provide the firstinstructions to the computer 10 when it boots up. The RAM 32 typicallyserves as temporary and immediately accessible storage for the operatingsystem 45 and application programs 55.

The mass storage device 40 may be any of the various types of computercomponents capable of storing large amounts of data in a persisting(i.e., non-volatile) and machine-readable manner. Typically, the massstorage device 40 will be a hard disk drive. Alternatively, the massstorage device 40 may be a solid state drive, optical drive, or othercomponent with similar storage capabilities.

In an exemplary embodiment, the mass storage device 40 also stores adisplay manager 50. The display manager 50 controls the output of imagesto the transparent display device 70 for viewing by the vehicleoperator, typically based upon instructions received from the operatingsystem 45. FIG. 1 depicts the display manager 50 as being a distinctcomputer program from the operating system 45, but one skilled in theart will appreciate that the display manager 50 may in an alternativeembodiment be integrated with the operating system 45.

In an exemplary embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, a safety controller 60 isalso stored on the mass storage device 40. The safety controller 60receives input from the safety sensor 65, and provides instructions tothe display manager 50 based on that input as will be described below indetail. FIG. 1 depicts the safety controller 60 as being integrated intothe display manager 50. In an alternative embodiment, the safetycontroller 60 may be discrete from the display manager 50 while stillproviding instructions to the display manager 50 based upon inputreceived from the safety sensor 65.

An exemplary embodiment of the vehicle computer system 10 according tothe present invention also includes a network interface 80. The networkinterface 80 is logically connected to a communications network 85,thereby enabling the computer 20 to communicate with communicationsnetwork 85. The communications network 85 may be any collection ofcomputers or communication devices interconnected by communicationchannels. The communication channels may be wired or wireless. Examplesof such communication networks include, without limitation, local areanetworks, the Internet, and cellular networks. The connection to thecommunications network 85 allows the computer 20 to communicate withother network nodes. For example, a central dispatcher could sendinstructions (e.g., a delivery schedule) from a scheduling server to thevehicle operator via the communications network 85.

The vehicle operator interfaces with the vehicle computer system 10 viaan input apparatus 75. The input apparatus 75 allows the vehicleoperator to initiate and interact with application programs 55 and theoperating system 45. The type of input apparatus 75 employed by thevehicle computer system 10 will generally depend upon the inputrequirements of the application programs 55 (e.g., whether they requiredata input or simply menu selection). Examples of a suitable inputapparatus 75 include, without limitation, a keyboard, a mouse, a lightpen, a microphone, a touchpad or a touchscreen. An input apparatus 75may include a plurality of input devices (e.g., a mouse and a keyboard).Where data input is required, a keyboard would typically be thepreferred input apparatus 75. Where touchscreen input is desirable, theinput apparatus 75 may be integrated with the transparent display device70.

A safety sensor 65 is employed to detect safety conditions and transmitdata regarding the safety conditions (i.e., safety condition data) tothe computer 20. More particularly, the safety sensor 65 communicatessafety condition data to the safety controller 60. Examples of types ofsafety sensors 65 that may be employed, without limitation, are motionsensors (e.g., accelerometers, global positioning satellite receiverdevices, speedometers, motion detectors, cameras, etc.), tactilesensors, position sensors, and seat-belt sensors. FIG. 1 depicts the useof a single safety sensor 65, but a person of ordinary skill in the artwill appreciate that a plurality of safety sensors 65 may be employed,including safety sensors 65 of different types (e.g., a motion sensorand a seat-belt sensor). Safety conditions include any data used by thesafety controller 60 in determining whether to instruct the displaymanager 50 to start or stop the display of information on thetransparent display device 70. Examples of such safety conditions mayinclude, without limitation, vehicle movement, vehicle speed, engagementof the vehicle transmission (i.e., the vehicle transmission is not inthe neutral or park position), engagement of the parking brake, andengine status (e.g., running). The safety sensor 65 may or may not belocated remotely from the computer 20. The connection between the safetysensor 65 and the system bus 35 may be wired or wireless. The safetycontroller 60 may also be configured to instruct the display manager 50to display only certain types of information under certain safetyconditions. For example, the safety controller 60 may instruct that onlya digital clock graphic taking up a small portion of the viewable areaof the transparent display device 70 can be displayed while the vehicleis in motion, thereby allowing for the vehicle operator to know the timewhile preventing the display of distracting material.

Information is presented to the vehicle operator on a transparentdisplay device 70. Unlike traditional cathode ray tube (CRT) displays ortraditional liquid crystal displays (LCDs) that have opaque viewingscreens, a transparent display device 70 has a transparent viewingscreen. Traditional LCD monitors, for example, require back light units(BLUs) to illuminate liquid crystals to create a viewable image. Thisconfiguration results in a device that is opaque. In contrast, atransparent display device 70 does not require a back light unit.Instead, the transparent display device 70 uses ambient light as itslight source. Consequently, a transparent display device 70 is able todisplay images on a viewing screen that is transparent. A non-limitingexample of a suitable transparent display device 70 would be the displayportion of the NL22B transparent LCD screen offered by SAMSUNG®.

The central processing unit 25, main memory 30, mass storage device 40,network interface 80, transparent display device 70, input apparatus 75and safety sensor 65 are all operably connected to a system bus 35. Thesystem bus 35 is adapted to transmit data communications betweencomponents of the vehicle computer system 10 (e.g., between the centralprocessing unit 25 and the network interface 80).

The vehicle computer system 10 according to the present invention may beconfigured to disable the display of information on the transparentdisplay device 70 under certain safety conditions. For example, a motionsensing safety sensor 65 may detect when the vehicle 110 is moving,transmit that safety condition to the safety controller 60, which may beconfigured to disable the display of information on the transparentdisplay device 70 when the safety condition of vehicle movement isdetected. Upon receiving notification from the safety sensor 65 that thesafety condition (e.g., vehicle movement) is present, the safetycontroller communicates to the display manager 50 that the display ofinformation on the transparent display device 70 should be disabled(i.e., that the transparent display device 70 should have a blankscreen) or that the display of information otherwise be modified. Inresponse to the instructions received from the safety controller 60, thedisplay manager 50 then disables the display of information on thetransparent display device 70. In this illustrative example, the vehicleoperator is prevented from viewing information on the transparentdisplay device 70 during the presence of a safety condition (vehiclemotion, in this instance) where it is not safe to interact with thevehicle computer system 10. Similarly, and by way of furtherillustration, the safety controller 60 could be configured to instructthe display manager 50 to disable the display of information on thetransparent display device 70 when a safety sensor 65 detects that theparking brake is not engaged. Alternatively, the safety controller 60could be configured to instruct the display manager 50 to disable thedisplay of information on the transparent display device 70 when onesafety sensor 65 (e.g., a speedometer) detects that the vehicle speedhas exceeded a specified limit and another safety sensor 65 detects thatthe seatbelt is not engaged. Typically, the safety controller 60 willnot instruct the display manager 50 to enable the display of informationon the transparent display device 70 until the safety sensor 65 detectsthat the safety conditions are within defined parameters that areacceptable for the use of the vehicle computer system 10. For example,the safety controller 60 may be configured to instruct the displaymanager 50 to enable the display of information on the transparentdisplay device 70 only when the parking brake is engaged.

During the presence of safety conditions that are not conducive to safeinteraction with the vehicle computer system 10, the disabling (ormodification) of the display of information to the transparent displaydevice 70 enhances vehicle operator safety in at least the followingrespects. First, it prevents the vehicle operator from being distractedby the presence of information on the transparent display device 70 andfrom acting upon the concomitant temptation to interact with the vehiclecomputer system 10. Second, the employment of a transparent displaydevice 70 provides for a less obstructed field of vision for the vehicleoperator, who can see through substantially the entire display screen ofthe transparent display device 70 when the display of information isdisabled, than traditional display screens with display blankingtechnology. With a less obstructed field of vision, the vehicle operatoris more likely to visually see obstacles and other conditions whichcould affect the safe operation of the vehicle 110.

An advantage of the vehicle computer system 10 according to the presentinvention is that it allows for the use of larger displays than would bepossible with systems employing display screens with traditional CRT orLCD technology. Because those traditional display screens areopaque—both when active and when disabled—they must be kept relativelysmall so that the vehicle operator's field of vision is not obstructedany more than is necessary. As a result, many CRT and traditionalLCD-based systems employ display screens that are capable of displayingvery limited amounts of information. Moreover, the relatively smalldisplay screens can be difficult for the vehicle operator to read.Because the transparent display device 70 does not significantlyobstruct the vehicle operator's field of vision when the display ofinformation is disabled, the vehicle computer system 10 according to thepresent invention can use substantially larger displays capable ofdisplaying more information that is easier to read. Furthermore, inalternative exemplary embodiments where the input apparatus 75 isintegrated with the transparent display device 70 (e.g., a touchscreendisplay), the larger screen allows for easier input entry by the vehicleoperator. More specifically, the vehicle operator may more easily makeinput selections because touching a menu item, for example, on a largertouchscreen is easier than doing so on a smaller touchscreen or, in someinstances, a smaller keyboard.

In another aspect, the disclosure embraces a computer-equipped vehicle120. As depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3, the computer-equipped vehicle 120comprises a vehicle 110, a vehicle computer system 10 comprising acentral processing unit 25, a main memory 30, a mass storage device 40,an operating system 45 stored on the mass storage device and executed bythe central processing unit, an application program 55, an inputapparatus 75 for receiving input from a user, a transparent displaydevice 70, a safety sensor 65, a display manager 50 adapted to controlthe display of information on the transparent display device 70, and asafety controller 60 adapted to instruct the display manager 50 tomodify the display of information on the transparent display device 70based on safety condition data received from the safety sensor 65. Thecomputer-equipped vehicle further comprises a mounting means (notpictured) for mounting the vehicle computer system 10 to the vehicle110. The mounting means may be any means suitable for fixably orremovably mounting the vehicle computer system 10 to the vehicle 110. Anon-exclusive example of a suitable mounting means would be a mountingbracket. FIG. 2 depicts a computer-equipped vehicle 120 in a state whereinformation is being displayed on the transparent display device 70.FIG. 3 illustrates how the transparent display screen 70 becomessubstantially transparent when the display of information is disabled bythe display manager 50.

A computer-equipped vehicle 120 according to the present inventionenjoys the safety and usability benefits afforded by the vehiclecomputer system 10, and, in particular, by the employment of atransparent display device 70 and a safety controller 60. Additionally,a computer-equipped vehicle 120 is better suited to implement softwaresolutions employing augmented reality (AR) technology, including suchsoftware solutions as building information modeling (BIM). As will beunderstood by one of ordinary skill in the art, augmented realitytechnology enables a computer system to overlay real-time images of thereal-world environment with information relevant to elements depicted inthose images. By way of example relating to the present invention, acomputer-equipped vehicle 120 in the nature of a cargo crane could beconfigured to overlay the real-world view of cargo containers seenthrough the transparent display device 70 with information pertaining toindividual cargo containers. More specifically, the cargo crane vehicleoperator could look through the transparent display device 70 and seereal-world cargo containers overlaid with graphical and textualinformation indicating, for example, the identity and location of thecontainer to load next, cargo container contents, and/or destinationinformation. By way of further example, a computer-equipped vehicle 120in the nature of a forklift could be configured to receive GPS and/orRFID information and use that information to display an augmentedreality environment on the transparent display device 70. Morespecifically, the augmented reality environment could overlay thereal-world environment viewed through the transparent display device 70with graphical and/or textual data regarding the location of warehouseditems to be picked up and the best route to reach their location.

In the specification and figures, typical embodiments of the inventionhave been disclosed. The present invention is not limited to suchexemplary embodiments. Unless otherwise noted, specific terms have beenused in a generic and descriptive sense and not for purposes oflimitation.

1. A vehicle computer system comprising: a central processing unit; a mass storage device; an operating system stored on said mass storage device and executed by said central processing unit; an input apparatus for receiving input from a user; a transparent display device; a safety sensor; a display manager adapted to control the display of information on said transparent display device; and a safety controller adapted to instruct said display manager to modify the display of information on said transparent display device based on safety condition data received from said safety sensor.
 2. The vehicle computer system of claim 1 comprising a network interface.
 3. The vehicle computer system of claim 1 comprising an application program.
 4. The vehicle computer system of claim 3 wherein said application program is adapted to implement an augmented reality environment.
 5. The vehicle computer system of claim 1 wherein said input means is integrated with said transparent display device.
 6. A computer-equipped vehicle that displays information to the operator only when certain safety conditions are met, the vehicle comprising: a vehicle; a vehicle computer system comprising: a central processing unit; a mass storage device; an operating system stored on said mass storage device and executed by said central processing unit; an input apparatus for receiving input from a user; a transparent display device; a safety sensor; a display manager adapted to control the display of information on said transparent display device; and a safety controller adapted to instruct said display manager to modify the display of information on said transparent display device based on safety condition data received from said safety sensor; and a mounting means for mounting said vehicle computer system to said vehicle.
 7. The computer-equipped vehicle of claim 6 wherein said vehicle computer system comprises a network interface.
 8. The computer-equipped vehicle of claim 6 wherein said vehicle computer system comprises an application program.
 9. The computer-equipped vehicle of claim 8 wherein said application program is adapted to implement an augmented reality environment.
 10. The computer-equipped vehicle of claim 6 wherein said input means is integrated with said transparent display device.
 11. The computer-equipped vehicle of claim 6 wherein said vehicle comprises a forklift.
 12. The computer-equipped vehicle of claim 6 wherein said vehicle comprises a crane.
 13. The computer-equipped vehicle of claim 6 wherein said vehicle comprises an automobile.
 14. The computer-equipped vehicle of claim 6 wherein said vehicle comprises a mass-transit vehicle.
 15. A vehicle computer system comprising: a central processing unit; a mass storage device; an operating system stored on said mass storage device and executed by said central processing unit; an input apparatus for receiving input from a user; a transparent display device; a safety sensor; a global positioning satellite receiver device; a display manager adapted to control the display of information on said transparent display device; a safety controller adapted to instruct said display manager to modify the display of information on said transparent display device based on safety condition data received from said safety sensor; and an application program adapted to implement an augmented reality environment; wherein said central processing unit is configured to display information from said global positioning satellite receiver device on said transparent display device.
 16. The vehicle computer system of claim 15 comprising a network interface.
 17. The vehicle computer system of claim 15 wherein said input means is integrated with said transparent display device.
 18. A forklift comprising the vehicle computer system of claim
 15. 19. A crane comprising the vehicle computer system of claim
 15. 20. An automobile comprising the vehicle computer system of claim
 15. 